Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Raye.
Hi Tia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My gift of writing is something that I have always been aware of even as a child. My older brother loved music, and he introduced me to rhyming very young. Growing up, I participated in the church offering my writings and love for music to the alter at an early age. As I began to matriculate through grade school, I was selected for gifted classes based on my skill set in writing alone—it was then that my parents knew I was a special kid. By the age of 10, I’d already created my own YouTube channel, began writing and collecting my own poetry, and sharing this gift at school and amongst my peers. It was not long before I was known in my community and family as being the child with an incredible voice and presence.
As I got older, I began to utilize my writing talents in the form of theater and spoken word. I didn’t realize that through years of writing, I’d developed my own sense of delivery and style that captivated others. I remember being only a senior in high school when I allowed my friends to hear songs that I’d composed in secret; their reactions still motivate me to this day. It was no doubt to my friends, nor my family that music was something I had to pursue. I started professionally recording music my freshman year of college at Tuskegee University and my popularity has been growing ever since. Within the past couple of years, I have performed over 100 shows, branded myself in my community, monetized my talents, and have released two independent music projects which have received success. This has motivated me to want to continue music and to pursue such goals with unwavering passion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, I would say it began as a smooth road. When you are a new artist, everyone gives you a chance to be heard but when you prove to others that you won’t stop, those around you may neglect support until you are perceived as a more popular choice. I’ve always considered myself to be the “underdog”. Many people, mostly those in my city know me for my ability to rhyme and my skill set with lyricism, however, my support comes in waves which can be very un-motivating. Also, as an independent artist, the wages of investment initially are greater than percentage of profit retained. Financial barriers existed greatly when I first decided to pursue music as a career. However, as you learn more you began to do better. I can honestly say, I’ve reached a point where I know my target demographic and I have monetized all my endeavors to now make money.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Actually, I am a Registered Behavioral Health Technician with a degree in Mental Health Psychology. Although I work in a professional setting, I still take the principles of music with me to be able to assist children with autism and behavioral /psychiatric health disorders. These qualities are: creativity, open-mindedness, optimism, and dedication. Music has broadened my perspective of life on a level that I can help others using my gift in a plethora of different settings unrelated to “rap”. I think what sets me apart from others is my mission to create a better world for others through introducing them to my form of therapy, which is writing and music. I advocate for children/adults to express themselves through writing. I strongly believe that if I had not found a pen as a child, I would suffered more greatly from depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that I get to now access and treat.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
What’s “life” without risk? I believe that every person in this world has the choice to live an ordinary or extraordinary life; the fate of such lies within our willingness to take risks. I study millionaires, and not one has reached success without taking a gamble or exhibiting faith. A gamble meaning, taking a change at receiving something great while something is also at stake. This could be time, money, or even impression. I can honestly say, I have taken a risk in every way in order to become the person I am today and I still have to overcome fear in order to take more risks. I have invested in merchandise and lost money before finding my niche within a business and even jeopardized my reputation in my attempts to be artistically free. I am a firm believer that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so I love each day not to win the game but to at least shoot my shot in the direction of my dreams.
Pricing:
- Music Features: $300
- Co-writing consultation: $50 consult
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/tiarayemusic
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiarayemusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiara.bradford.58
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiarayemusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/TiaRaye
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/koNY21MLBV58uY827
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tia-raye/1547751439
